Billy Joelis remembering the iconicJeff Beckafter his death.
During his show at the Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday, the “Uptown Girl” singer paid tribute to the late British rocker afterhe died at the age of 78earlier this week.
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Beck’s family confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s Passing,” the statement began. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
Reacting to the “sad news” of Beck’s death, Joel sent a statement to PEOPLE, calling him"the great, virtuoso guitarist."
“He was one of my heroes. I was fortunate to meet him recently, and I’m very grateful now that I was able to tell him how much I admired his musical skill. This is the end of an era. R.I.P.,” he added.
In addition to Joel, several of Beck’s longtime friends and collaborators also spoke out in memory of him including his former Yardbirds bandmate Jimmy Page, Stewart, andRonnie Woodfrom The Jeff Beck Group,Mick Jagger,Paul McCartney, and more.
source: people.com
